What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate PlanThe election has concluded giving former President and now President-Elect Donald J. Trump control of the White House come January. The Republican Party will have a majority in the Senate. As of the writing of this blog, they have 53 seats with one race uncalled. The Republican Party also leads the Democratic Party in seats in the House of Representatives, now controlling 219 seats with 3 races uncalled. Given these numbers, the … [Read more...] about What the Trump Administration Could Mean for Your Estate Plan
Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
Litigation…a Necessary Evil?This blog often focuses on avoiding litigation; more than one blog has detailed ways to make an Estate Plan “litigation-proof” or at least as litigation-proof as possible. Sometimes, though, beneficiaries need to litigate in order to achieve the goals of the decedent. A recent California appellate case, Smith v. Myers (2024) 103 Cal.App.5th 586, highlights just that. Let’s explore a real-life example of how litigation helped ensure proper implementation of a … [Read more...] about Litigation…a Necessary Evil?
Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised Fund
Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised FundCharitable gifts offer a great opportunity to reduce income tax liability. When a taxpayer makes a charitable contribution, typically they get an offsetting charitable income tax deduction. Unfortunately, that offsetting deduction doesn’t always end up reducing the total tax burden. To take a charitable income tax deduction, the taxpayer needs to itemize their deductions. If the charitable contribution and other itemized deductions don’t exceed the … [Read more...] about Now is a Good Time for a Donor Advised Fund
Trust vs. Probate: Investing in Peace of Mind
Trust vs. Probate: Investing in Peace of MindListen to the audio: Don’t Wait Until Later to Plan for What Matters MostListen to the audio: Don’t Wait Until Later to Plan for What Matters MostImagine probate court as a bureaucratic jungle. Without a map, a guide, or proper gear, it’s easy to get lost. A Trust, however, is like chartering a private jet straight out of that mess. At Gaughan & Connealy, we’re here to remind you that a Trust isn’t just an … [Read more...] about Trust vs. Probate: Investing in Peace of Mind
Trusting the Trust You Created Online? Think Again!
Trusting the Trust You Created Online? Think Again! In the age of “there’s an app for that,” it’s easy to think everything—including creating a legally binding trust—can be done with a few clicks and a credit card. Online trust forms may promise peace of mind at a bargain price, but when it comes to protecting your family and your legacy, you might be getting what you paid for: a boilerplate document that could crumble under real-world pressures.Here’s why you should let an estate planning … [Read more...] about Trusting the Trust You Created Online? Think Again!
Second Time’s the Charm? Why Estate Planning for Remarried Folks in Missouri and Kansas is a Must
Second Time’s the Charm? Estate Planning for Remarried Folks is a MustAh, marriage. The merging of lives, love, and—let’s face it—legalities. If you’ve been divorced and are now blissfully remarried, congratulations! You’re living proof that love deserves a second chance. But while Cupid is handling your heart, who’s managing your assets? Without a proper estate plan, your financial “happily ever after” could turn into a legal nightmare.Here’s why proper planning … [Read more...] about Second Time’s the Charm? Why Estate Planning for Remarried Folks in Missouri and Kansas is a Must
When Your Power of Attorney Takes Its Final Bow
When Your Power of Attorney Takes Its Final BowYou know the saying: all good things must come to an end. It applies to summer vacations, Netflix binges, and yes, even Powers of Attorney (POAs). Many people assume that a POA is a one-stop shop for managing everything their loved ones might need, but here’s the catch: POAs are strictly for the living. The moment the signer takes their final bow, the POA’s curtain falls, leaving the stage completely empty.So, what happens next? And why does … [Read more...] about When Your Power of Attorney Takes Its Final Bow
Why Procrastination is Our Biggest Competitor – Get Your Will and Trust Done Today!
Why Procrastination is Our Biggest Competitor – Get Your Will and Trust Done Today!At Gaughan & Connealy, we've seen it all: clients who wait, wait, and wait some more to get their Will or Trust done. And while we love our work, we’ve got to admit, the most powerful force we compete against isn’t another law firm – it’s good ol’ procrastination.Now, we know what you’re thinking: “I’m healthy today, so why rush? I’ll get to my Will or Trust eventually.” But here’s the thing – … [Read more...] about Why Procrastination is Our Biggest Competitor – Get Your Will and Trust Done Today!
Why Choose Gaughan & Connealy for Estate Planning? Spoiler: We Don’t Work Out of a Basement.
Why Choose Gaughan & Connealy for Estate Planning? Spoiler: We Don’t Work Out of a Basement.Hello, Jamie Smead here from Gaughan & Connealy, where estate planning isn’t just a side gig—it’s what we do, and we do it well. Let’s face it, estate planning isn’t the most glamorous branch of law, so most attorneys focus on flashier fields. But what happens when your estate attorney spends more time with traffic tickets than trusts? You may end up with a plan that’s more “loose ends” than … [Read more...] about Why Choose Gaughan & Connealy for Estate Planning? Spoiler: We Don’t Work Out of a Basement.
Keeping the Peace (and the Holidays) in a Blended Family
Keeping the Peace (and the Holidays) in a Blended Family: The Importance of Estate PlanningHey there, Casey Connealy here from Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys! Let’s talk about a topic that might sound a little dry but trust me, it’s more important than knowing which side of the family is bringing the green bean casserole to Thanksgiving this year. If you’re part of a blended family, estate planning isn’t just a "nice to have"—it’s essential.Why, you ask? Well, here’s … [Read more...] about Keeping the Peace (and the Holidays) in a Blended Family
